This study investigated the extent that the attributes of incoming students and their subsequent academic and social interactions at an institution are related to community college student retention. Student data from a cohort of first-time students (N = 1089) attending a community college in southwest Missouri was analyzed to examine variables related to fall-to-fall student retention. Predictors of first-year retention included receiving federal Pell grants, high school GPA, receiving a C or higher in college orientation, first semester college GPA, and receiving a C or higher in general psychology, general biology, and U.S. History. The findings highlight the importance of college readiness and value of federal financial aid programs for community college student persistence. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]